News Release

"What I love about giving back is the kindness and sense of brotherhood is felt on both ends,” said Miss Cocopah Shelyne Twist.

The reigning Miss Cocopah and the three candidates running for the crown donated 10 backpacks to the annual Stuff the Bus campaign on July 18th. Shelyne Twist, who was crowned in 2012, led the effort, which was broadcast live on KSWT 13 from the Yuma Palms Regional Center. Twist, along with candidates Samantha Twist, Santana Salazar and Kayla Burney delivered the backpacks and appeared on live television to represent the Cocopah Indian Tribe. “Helping out in general is always so gratifying. What I love about giving back is the kindness and sense of brotherhood is felt on both ends,” Shelyne Twist said. The Stuff the Bus campaign is aimed at collecting school supplies and raising money to buy school supplies for needy children throughout Yuma County. “When contributing, I feel like I'm making a difference, helping where it's needed for a brighter future. The recipients of this cause feel grateful and I'm sure very appreciative for the help. You never know which end you'll be on, so give while you can and be thankful for what you have,” Shelyne Twist said. In addition to basic school supplies, the backpacks Miss Cocopah and the candidates delivered also contained a special card autographed by all four of them, wishing the student recipient good luck on the upcoming school year. While participating in the event, Twist and the Miss Cocopah candidates met with Yuma County Superintendent of Schools Tom Tyree and with Hailey Bernardo, the reigning Miss Yuma County. The Miss Cocopah pageant will be held on Sept. 19. The winner will serve a two-year term ending in 2016.